Tuesday, May 11, 2010

The Power of Red

Red is the color of blood and fire and often represents life and vitality -- a symbol of energy, radiating its vitalizing life-force into human beings. Red is often associated with energy, strength, power, and determination, as well as passion, desire, and love. a ripe fruit announces its readiness with its red color.

Red is power, hence the red power tie for business people and the red carpet for celebrities and VIPs -- we even call it rolling out the red carpet or giving someone red carpet treatment when we want to recognize their power and importance. a red-letter-day is said to have special importance or significance. Going out and celebrating is even referred to as painting the town red!

Red is a very emotionally intense color, in face, several studies have indicated that red carries the strongest reaction of all the colors. It enhances human metabolism, increases respiration rate, and raises blood pressure. It has very high visibility, which is why stop signs, stoplights, and fire equipment are usually painted red. In heraldry, red is used to indicate courage. It is a color found in many national flags.

In China, red is the symbol of fire and the south (both south in general and Southern China specifically). It carries a largely positive connotation, being associated with courage, loyalty, honor, success, fortune, fertility, happiness, passion, and summer. In Chinese cultural traditions, red is associated with weddings (where brides traditionally wear red dresses) and red paper is also frequently used to wrap gifts of money or other treasures.

When you use red, you make a statement. Use the color red to grab attention and to get people to take action. Use red when you don't want to sink into the background. Use red to suggest speed and efficiency combined with confidence and perhaps even a dash of danger. A little bit of red goes a long way; small doses can often be more effective than large amounts of this strong color. Multiple shades of red and even pink or orange can combine for a cheerful palette. You cannot go wrong with spirit-lifting red dinnerware. It is right for almost any mood and can conform either casual or formal events.



This crimson vase is a spectacular crimson color that is unparalleled in its clarity and vibrancy.
This simple, undecorated vase allows the shape and flawless surface to act as the primary design element.


This unique ceramic sculpture was commissioned by Solectron for its Board as a parting gift when the company was acquired by Flextronics. The red was used to reinforce Solectron's brand and corporate color.


Thursday, April 22, 2010

Springing Forward: Environmentally inspired gifts as the new sustainable luxury

Happy Earth Day!

Nature springs forward each year, transforming the dim and dreary into the bright and hopeful. Looking around, I see transformation everywhere—wintery brown leaves are fewer and far between, in their stead are fresh budding greens and young flowers. As nature regenerates, so too does our economy. And as our economy recovers and grows, what we define as luxury must also change.

Luxury used to entail extravagance and excess, something pricey yet not always useful, and often only exclusive because it was priced for a limited consumer demographic. With the economic downturn, luxury was seen as wasteful and frivolous. But as spring has brought forth a fresh energy to the environment, the economy is redefining what it is to be luxurious; gone is the trend in gifting generic crystal stemware or china plates created en mass. New luxury is characterized by appreciation of the time, skill, and effort that goes into hand crafted items. Luxury, today, has been redefined to mean luxurious craftsmanship. Exclusive, rare, and remarkable objects are becoming increasingly sought after; these objects are being created by a specially skilled and trained workforce—artists. Often these functional art pieces are in very limited in supply due to their time consuming nature and limited production due to increased eco-consciousness and sustainability concerns—and isn’t that what’s really important, today?

At Diana Martin Gifts, we embrace this new luxury with a renewed vigor. For the past 22 years, DMG has been supporting local artists who create hand crafted art. Our artists create beautiful art sculptures, functional art pieces, and custom designs in uniquely detailed ways, and from specially sourced materials. Every order is impeccably detailed to our client’s unique specifications to create one-of-a-kind gifts.Many of our items are environmentally friendly and even crafted from sustainable materials.

Next time you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind luxury gift for any occasion, consider a hand-crafted piece of artwork.

At Diana Martin Gifts, we offer a wide range of eco-friendly and customizable gifts for you to choose from.

This 100% biodegradable umbrella is perfect for both rain or shine. It features a bamboo frame with a modern transparent canopy. The umbrella includes a 100% organic carrying case, and comes in white or black.






Friday, February 5, 2010

How To Brew A Perfect Pot Of Tea

Manoj Murjani was an avid tea collector long before he co-founded TWG Tea Co. As chairman and CEO, TWG Tea is sold at upscale stores including Dean & Deluca and Harrods in London. He is a purist when it comes to making and drinking tea and thought it was befitting to hear his suggestions for brewing the perfect pot of tea during this cold winter season.

When entertaining or dining Mr. Murjani suggests:
  1. Brewing loose-leaf teas by the pot to maximize flavor. Use large whole leaves and avoid using tiny tea balls. Tiny tea balls don't give the leaves room to unfurl and infuse the water with flavor.
  2. Place about two and a half teaspoons of leaves in a large strainer. Keep in mind, you don't want the water to be boiling hot because it could burn the tea leaves.
  3. After about three minutes and/or up to seven minutes for more delicate varieties like white teas, remove the strainer.
  4. Try to avoid adding milk or sugar and lemon. It tends to overpower the taste.
Here are some excellent tips for pairing tea with particular meals/foods:
  1. When having a light lunch of salmon or a salad, choose a fresh-tasting tea such as a green or white tea. It's light and balances well with the freshness of what you're eating.
  2. With heavier foods such as steak, sip on a more robust or smoky varietals such as Pu-Erh or Lapsang Souchong.
  3. With spicy food, go with a more daring tea spiked with cloves, cardamom or ginger.
  4. The smoky flavor of Earl Grey is a good accompaniment for chocolate.
  5. Try combining iced tea with champagne for a pre-dinner cocktail, using fruity black teas with berry or floral tones.
I love serving tea after dinner as it is soothing and refreshing, especially in this CERAMIC TEA POT designed by Judith Weber. The minimalist look is sophisticated and she offers her tea sets in highly desirable colors from a metal iron color to this soothing celedon green. The tray is oven safe and the perfect display for small delectable chocolates or your favorite tea cookies.

Friday, January 8, 2010

The Whole Package: What Diana Martin Gifts and Lady Gaga Have In Common

It’s the New Year and I am excited to share my new ideas for 2010. As we move into our 22nd year of business, my passion for helping clients and creating stunning gifts to communicate goodwill and appreciation remains stronger than ever and forever unwavering. Sights, sounds, trends, fashion and travel are my inspiration for thinking of ways to share superlative gifts that bundle style, sophistication and thoughtfulness in one package.

According to the NY Times Style section before New Years, it states Lady Gaga is all about the package. With a flailing economy and flat-lined retail, Lady Gaga raises the flag for style and its power to confound, bewitch and amuse. She is seen bigger than a pop star or fashion muse.. perhaps closer to a gamer’s creation.

It’s the package! Lady Gaga is all about the whole package – her presentation captures everyone from Obama to the cultural dregs. All her parts: the singing, the theatrics, the clothes…are masterminded together to create the package which is her message .. which is her stardom.

So, the next time you are looking for that something special, consider the whole package and how all the parts, from the quality of the gift to the note card to the gift wrapping, fit together to exactly communicate your message.








Tuesday, December 1, 2009

The New Luxury For Holiday Gift Giving

Handmade Luxury is challenging the classic definition of luxury by seeking out a fresh form based on authenticity and exclusivity. Committed craftspeople - those who make beautiful, handcrafted products and who offer tailored services requiring skill and time to achieve – are spearheading the new luxury movement.

The product’s provenance is just as important as the quality. The new luxury consumer appreciates the effort and attention to detail that goes into the manufacturing of such products to make them unique and original. No two are alike.

Take for example, this hand blown, jewel tone vase made by a California master glass artist, Paul Harrie: "I love working with glass and making my art every day. I am still striving to capture that clean, crystalline quality of North Dakota, working to encase a surprise in glass, and exploring color. I am determined to produce the finest work I can". This work is exciting and original, combining form with function. If I received this gift, it would be displayed as an art piece in my living room where I could admire it daily!

Jewel Tone Vase 8” Click HERE to purchase
Art-inspired pieces can have many functions, such as an award given at a recent gala.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Entertaining Tips For The Holidays

It's the perfect time to brush up on entertaining tips for this coming holiday season. Most recently, my tips were mentioned in an ARTICLE from the Murietta's Bear Creek Chronicle paper.

The art of friendship can be carried through by inviting friends and family to your home for casual or formal entertaining. From watching a football game to a formal dinner party, intimate gatherings are a way to express appreciation and say "you are special".

I find that when inviting guests to your home, there is a bonding that does not occur when going out to dine. There is something to be said for seeing one in their personal surroundings ... how they decorate, their attention to detail in their home, the food they serve , how they handle the evening.... It is easier to have uninterrupted conversations and be more comfortable.

Especially in today's economic environment, entertaining at home can be less costly. It also gives you a good reason to be creative in decorating your surroundings and setting your table. Your table is a canvas, a place for expression. It is an opportunity to set the mood and style as you wish. My entertaining tips are foolproof and will help you plan a wonderful get together.



Thursday, October 29, 2009

WHEN GIFT GIVING BACKFIRES

I just read this article in the WSJ today and thought to share the story with you. It is an example of how improper gift giving can have negative effects in a relationship.

Gift giving is a powerful marketing tool, extending a message to the recipient of goodwill and appreciation. For any size company, a well-thought client loyalty program should be an integral part of one's marketing plan. When properly executed, extending a gift shows thoughtfulness and says "you are valued".

When in doubt about the gift, consult an expert. We seek doctors for medical advice, lawyers for legal assistance, accountants for financial guidance... and gift experts for gift-giving. Capturing one's attention when opening a gift is the perfect opportunity to reinforce your brand and show gratitude.

Diana

Click HERE to read the article in the WSJ

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

White Memorial Medical Center Gala

On Sunday October 25 the White Memorial Medical Center Gala Awards hosted special recognitions, heartwarming patient stories, and generous contributions. WMMC is best known for outstanding women’s, children’s, diabetes, orthopedic, heart and vascular, cancer, rehabilitation, and emergency services.

The evening was a record-breaking charity event. The non-profit hospital raised nearly a half a million dollars to support the healthcare services it provides to the community.

Diana Martin Gifts designed these custom recognition pieces to the top honorees of the event.

DJ HALL AND DIANA MARTIN

We all enjoyed an art-inspired evening at Peter Blake's Gallery in Laguna Beach on 10/22. DJ Hall and I talked about the table. I described it as a personal time-line of my life, seeing the table more than a place to eat. DJ showed her slides and commented on how the table served as a focal point for organizing her paintings. A jammed packed room and good discussion made this a special evening.







Here are my thoughts about the table:

The dining table isn’t just a symbol of a place to eat. It represents a personal time line... appealing more to emotions than to the food. We remember the earliest tables from growing up, starting with a high chair and then when in grade school. I am sure we can all think about the plastic looking table clothes, formica tops or place mats as well as the leatherette chairs. These are memorable not because they are so stylish retor, but because it was what we simply had. Important occasions were celebrated in the dining room with a white tablecloth. We had a huge mahogany table with fancy carved legs. At holiday time, as kids, we found ourselves relegated to a card table known as the ‘kids table”. We’ve all been there.

That’s the thing about a dining table: like symbols in popular culture, it can take many forms. The table is more than just a table. It reflects who we are and how we live. It’s the place we break bread, convene with family and friends, celebrate a holiday, toast life’s most important, as well as most private moments. The table is filled with memories of the past and those to be written in the future.

As one invents one’s own style by going from the useful to the fanciful, home becomes a daily stage where pleasure and beauty stand as its only requirements. It’s a blank canvas inviting your personal expression and creativity.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Illuminating the Art of Appreciation

These elaborate art-glass pumpkins reveal the beauty that Nature holds. The voluptuous forms accentuate the promise of succulent fruit, and anticipate the potential for great things to emerge. Our pumpkins grow luminous stems of gold luster glass and the intense colors bring vibrancy to their surroundings. Hand-blown in abundance of rainbow colors, in sizes and shapes, they range from 4" to 14" in diameter. Remarkable centerpieces grouped on the table -- equally awe inspiring, tucked under a bush in the garden--a hidden find that will guarantee stories of found allure.



Pumpkins have remained a timeless reflection of gratitude and thankfulness throughout the centuries. Early settlers used pumpkins as a part of epicurean treats, and a gesture of goodwill during the first Thanksgiving feast. However, pumpkins began to transcend tradition by means of magic. Remember how Cinderella’s plain yellow pumpkin was turned into a radiant golden carriage? Imagine your valued clients, deserving employees, or Board of Directors enjoying these fall icons and illuminating their day knowing they are appreciated.

Click HERE to purchase

Monday, August 24, 2009

How To Get the Most From Your Toast

A toast should not be too long or embarrassing. Short and pungent, is the key to a successful toast. Here are a few tips from Champagne expert and style maker, Diana Martin…

  1. Maintain eye contact and speak from the heart.

  2. Let your guests know how exciting it is to be together and to share this moment.

  3. The toastmaster shouldn't prepare too much as it is best to be spontaneous.

  4. A toast should be short enough to be memorized—no longer than a minute—especially if there are others who will follow.

  5. You should begin by raising a glass to eye level—first staring directly at the person you are toasting and then, as you speak, gazing at the other guests.

  6. People shouldn't reserve toasts for formal occasions.

  7. You should touch the glasses with every single person there, which seals the deal, as in, “I accept your toast and the thought behind it”. If the crowd is too large, touch the glass of the person you are toasting who then passes it to the next person and so on…

  8. There are no rules for champagne glasses …from the classic crystal flute to colorful artful glasses. For a small dinner party, mix and match glasses to bring spark to the party.


Friday, August 21, 2009

Tea Time

With simplicity as the guiding principle for ceramic artist Judith Weber, her tea sets inspire the elegance of traditional Japanese Ceramics and the clean lines of Scandinavian design. It is a little piece of spring that can be enjoyed right now, even during the warmer summer season.

It makes a lovely bridal shower gift (far more quaint and thoughtful than something right off the registry), as well as a token of kindness for hostesses and new homeowners. And if your Mom's an espresso fan, you might want to consider giving her a set of these as her Mother's Day gift.

A Day In the Park

Life can get pretty hectic. Between a full-time job, going to dinner parties, meeting friends, and squeezing in the rare workout, there's not much time left to find a quiet spot and just sit. That's why I love the idea of this Picnic Wine Bag — it encourages people to escape the insanity and head to the park or even out to the country for a relaxing afternoon.

With all the items included, the picnic wine bag has all the trappings for a perfect day in the park with close friends or loved ones. A perfect anniversary or birthday gift!

Thursday, August 13, 2009

"It's all in the delivery"

It's true when you think about it; some gifts seem even more valuable when they have the perfect packaging. Now more than ever, it's become 'in vogue' to give gifts in swirled ribbons, customized gift sacks, impressionable wrapping, and logo branded boxes.

It's normal to assume the gift inside the creative design is equally as lavish or carefully crafted. It's also your chance to further show the person that this occasion is special to you since you've thought of every detail - right down to the wrapping!



Try colors and materials that are "outside the box". While many of us think of traditional colors like red and green for Christmas or shades of fall for Thanksgiving, the sky is truly the limit when it comes to wrapping gifts and preparing cards. For many gift givers, the paper, bows and envelopes are an extension of their own personal style.

You've no doubt put a lot of time and energy into choosing a gift that reflects the interests and tastes of the person receiving the gift. All of that effort is even more personal when you consider the presentation. Trendy, classic, artistic, eclectic - throw yourself into those papers and bows and a make a great gift truly extraordinary.

The Quintessential Gift – how to be the flawless gift giver

  1. The gift must be of quality such that the gift recipient doesn’t need to think about the pricing or question if it was “cheap” or a “recycled” gift.

  2. The gift has to both be a reflection of the gift giver and the gift recipient.

  3. It should be something luxurious ~ supremely unexpected with a heartfelt
    expression of thoughtfulness; luxurious does not imply expensive.

  4. Must be impeccably packaged and handsomely presented ~ the element of surprise adds to the anticipation of opening.

  5. A well-thought out note to accompany the gift: including why the gift is so
    special, why it was selected and why you are giving this gift.

  6. The perfect gift shows appreciation, respect, goodwill and attention.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

How to get invited back

Ways to say thank you to your hostess

This summer, many of us will be invited to garden dinners, beach cook-out’s, summer parties and other warm-weather social gatherings. Some may be lucky enough to staying overnight or a weekend at a friend or family member’s beach front home. Wine and flowers are predictable, but the well-mannered guest knows that when buying a hostess gift, a touch of ingenuity goes a long way toward engendering a fellowship that lasts longer than the visit. Send a message of appreciation with an extraordinary gift.

Upon arrival, present your hostess with a small luxurious gift as a way to say thanks for the invitation. Fail-safe items are: beautiful scented candles from Volupsa or Dayna Decker, monogrammed beach or shopping tote, epicurean olive oils or aged vinegars, personalized note cards. The gift should be presented beautifully and include a hand-written note expressing gratitude. A well-thought out gift that matches one’s personal interests and style goes a long way in saying “you are special”.

For a dinner party gift, suggestions are a set of sleek agate coasters, themed napkin rings, whimsical tongs, small dishes or swanky swizzle sticks.

Hostess thank you gifts don’t have to be overly expensive or big. They are your way of communicating a thanks for being included for a memorable time. The most important part is to be gracious and make sure the hostess feels appreciated. And... don’t forget to send a thank-you note after the stay!



Diana Martin Gifts Top 5 Tips For Flattering the Hostess

1. Present the hostess with a gift when being greeted; beautifully presented with a hand-written card.
2. If you are staying a weekend, ask to help the hostess i.e. set the table, get flowers…
3. When leaving someone’s home, ask if you can strip the sheets and put the towels in the laundry basket; tidy your room even if the housekeeper is coming.
4. Entertain yourself .. don’t make the hostess feel pressure to keep you busy… bring a book or go for a swim … alone time is okay.
5. Send a hand-written note of thanks when home.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Affordable Luxuries

The world is full of high priced goods and it can become easy to spend an excess amount of money when purchasing what you consider to be the best. The real trick, however, is knowing that you do not always need to, even when we are not in this sensitive economy. Anyone can appreciate a good deal now and then - especially when it comes to life’s indulgences. These are what might be called "affordable luxuries": well-made, elegant items that give pleasure, but don't need to cost a fortune.



Today, we are in a “deal and discount” mode… i.e. wanting to get the most for the least amount. In our new affordable luxuries collection, we will help you forage for splendid deals without having to search endlessly for a worthy purchase. Our collection is all about quality and made by the hands of passionate artisans. The items are time-resistant, classic and contemporary. It’s not bargain basement and nor is it meant to be.



The old saying “One man’s treasure is another man’s trash” holds true in the luxury world. Understanding the point of reference is necessary because an item you might find to be a luxury item, might not be the same for another person. Luxury doesn’t always have to do with money as much as it has to do with meaning. With this in mind, we have put together a collection of items that will not only create a memorable luxury gift, but one that offers intrinsic meaning of thoughtfulness and appreciation.

Click HERE to view the affordable luxury collection.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

The Venice I Love!

I immediately had a love affair with this city while approaching our landing into the Venetia Airport and seeing the stream of water taxi’s driving in their lanes along the blue sky waters. The sun was bright and the boat’s chrome reflections bounced in the water like bursts of energy.

Luggage and all, we took a water taxi to the legendary Gritti Palace Hotel. While speeding through the Grand Canal, I see my first gondola. My heart beats as it is just like what you see in the movies! There were streams of gondolas… all pristine and shiny black, embellished with flowers and gold decoration. The gondolier is the master of the Grand Canal - fit and tan and with the recognizable black and white stripe shirt and black hat. I had goose bumps and I said to myself, “I’m never leaving”.

We approached the dock of the Gritti and was greeted by a meticulously uniformed bell captain who escorted us to the lobby. I then realized that old is precious and new is out. Venice remains, as always, committed to its past, holding on to their treasures such as San Marco square and not adjusting easily to the impressive Pinault Contemporary Art Center or the Peggy Guggenheim modern art collection.

The small winding roads that seem to go on forever are passages to the smallest of stores and ateliers where craftsman practice their trade that has been handed down to them from generations before. The streets are a maze. Along with stores, you will find neighborhood bars, established restaurants, boutique hotels and local homes. Walking the bridges over the canals brought views of geranium flower pots on window ledges, the mesmerizing canal and of course, the gondolas. It is a mix and match of old, very old buildings along with hundreds of tourists with cell phones, video cameras and other hi-tech devices walking up and down these bridges from the past.

People are more than friendly and everywhere we stopped, we struck a conversation. We had the good fortune of eating at amazing restaurants… all different but all genuinely Venetian in every way:



Osteria Oliva Nero – Our first night we were greeted with warm hospitality at this family owned restaurant. The food was traditional Venetian. Dino and Isabella create a memorable meal with their stuffed zucchini flowers. The sea bass is divine. When leaving, they present a gift of olive oil in a burlap bag. This restaurant is a must!

39-041 /099- 7565 www.osteria-olivanera.com.


Da Fiore – This barrel-vaulted, somewhat formal restaurant offers Chef Mara Martin’s deceptively simple fare: from plates of the deep-fried calamari, scampi and zucchini to a dessert of pineapple soup with mint and fresh berries. There is impeccable service from the staff that takes enormous pride in caring for you in a formal, elegant way. The best tables are on the outdoor balcony overlooking the canal. There we met a young couple on their honeymoon from Colorado. With tables so close, it was hard not to strike up a conversation… and one we thoroughly enjoyed.

39-041/ 721-308

Ai Mercanti - Situated in the heart of Venice, between San Marco square and Rialto Bridge this restaurant serves typical Venetian and international dishes. The menu is updated every two months and offers the freshest seasonal foods. We loved dining outside on crisp white linens in the typical and peaceful "campiello". The staff is caring and flawless, taking great care to serve you the finest foods possible. We dined with friends and sat outside in the small square for hours without realizing the restaurant was closing. The staff continued to be gracious until we were ready to leave.

39-041/ 523-8269 www.aimercanti.com





Monday, July 6, 2009

The Value of Custom Giving


Giving a gift should not only be a kind gesture, but it should be something that builds relationships, endures goodwill and says “you are special”. A well thought out gift is long remembered after the gift is opened. We recently provided a custom gift for the band Green Day. The first question we asked our client was “What kind of gift would make the band feel special and important”? We also asked “What do you want the gift to say when received? We sometimes forget that a gift is a powerful communications tool. When coming up with a gift for Green Day, all aspects of the band had to be considered in order to provide a gift that would suit the occasion, but most importantly the personalities of the band members.

When should a custom gift be commissioned? My answer is when the event or occasion is too important not to have the gift aligned with your message and the recipient’s interests. Perfect example of a commissioned gift is when the CEO of Bell Microproducts presented a gift to Prince Edward when the Prince visited Bell’s corporate office in Silicon Valley. The gift, a redwood hand-turned vessel, was a reminder of the indigent redwood trees of Northern California. Wood suggests integrity, wisdom and longevity … all attributes shared in the relationship between both men. Please visit our CASE STUDIES for more examples of custom gifts that make a difference.

When there is a need for a gift, it is most important to go beyond the gift as just an object and to focus on its meaning and understand, i.e. the intrinsic value of the gift giving. The more personal the gift, the more lasting power it has on the recipient.

I like to say we are in the relationship business, not gift business. A gift, when properly done, should make its recipients feel good, appreciated and flattered. A moment should always be taken to think about the person(s) to whom you plan to give a gift. Always give something of exquisite quality that is presented beautifully.

For gifts for your employees, sales recognition or that one special gift, please contact us for ideas and how to create a gift with meaning.

Monday, June 22, 2009

How to Inspire Excellence

A Formula for Motivating Employees


Diana Martin Gifts was asked by a company to provide gifts for approximately 1600 of its employees this past year for an award program recognizing its top employees. One of the trips was held in Hawaii while the other two were in Las Vegas. All trips were filled with activities as well as welcome gifts and room gifts all designed to reward employees that worked hard and brought financial success to their company. A recent survey was sent out to gather feedback on the trips and services/awards to evaluate the correlation between incentives and performance. The results were clear: incentives motivate employees to perform at their best.

Results were based on a 5 point scale system for each survey given out in which 5 meant they strongly agreed and 1 being they strongly disagreed. Of the 1,095 surveys sent out for all 3 trips, 811 responded … about 74% of the attendees.

The surveys from all 3 trips were combined and the results are as followed:

  • 86.7% said they strongly agreed (4.8 rating) when asked the question if giving out the award incentives encouraged them to excel in performance

  • 89.7% said they strongly agreed (4.9 rating) when asked if it was important to have an awards program

  • 94% stated they would strive to win next year


The surveys were equally as positive when asked about the gifts and awards, mostly provided by Diana Martin Gifts. The gifts provided for one of the Las Vegas trips included:

  • A custom designed tote bag with mats and a custom etched art glass frame.

  • The average rating scale results for the tote with mats item totaled 4.2 with 75% saying they were satisfied with the gift.

  • For the custom etched art glass frame the average rating came out to be 4.7 with 91% saying they were satisfied.


The gifts for the other Las Vegas hotel trip included:

  • The Las Vegas book, custom designed crystal pitcher and glassware set, and the hand-cut, hand-polished crystal “Circle of Excellence” award.

  • The average rating scale results for the Las Vegas book totaled 4.2 with 78% saying they were satisfied with the gift.

  • The crystal pitcher and glassware set received an average rating of 4.4 with 84% saying they were satisfied.

  • The “COE” award received an average rating of 4.6 with 90% saying they were satisfied.


Lastly, the gifts provided at the Hawaii trip included:

  • The coral basket welcome gift and an elegantly etched framed photograph.

  • The average rating scale for the coral basket totaled 4.7 with 94% saying they were satisfied with the gift.

  • The framed photograph received an average rating of 4.6 with 93% saying they were satisfied.


The overwhelming positive results of the survey reinforces the belief that implementing award incentives motivates employees. Happy employees are more productive and there is less turnover. The recognition and the pampering make an employee feel appreciated for their sacrifices and long hours. It allows them to reap in the joys of success as a team and as an individual.

Gift giving, when properly executed, extends goodwill, thoughtfulness and appreciation. When the gifts are taken home, they are a reminder of their accomplishments. The iconic award, when displayed on one’s desk encourages excellence and says it all … they are one of an elite few who made it to the top.

Click HERE to purchase

Monday, June 15, 2009

Father’s Day Gift Ideas

A Time for Family Gatherings, crayon scribbled “I Love You Dad,” and of course, that lovely new gift!

It’s that time a year again to honor the male figures in our lives whether it be a father, step- father, uncle, grandpa or any man who has acted as a father figure in your life. This is a celebration that has become popular not only in the US, but in large numbers of countries all around the world.

People often forget the sacrifices of their fathers and the roles they have played in their lives. Father’s Day allows us to express our gratitude and love to our fathers. It is a way to honor the man that has given joy and happiness to our lives.

The word father within itself has always been associated with guidance and protection. It is the person that can be looked up to and respected. With the current economic hardships, we suggest gifts that express appreciation, love and gratitude as well as one that will be useful.




Click HERE to purchase.

If you were looking for something that is sophisticated, the handcrafted leather document holder made from crocodile embossed Italian leather would be a perfect choice. The magnificence and durability will compliment any man’s style and ideal for holding papers when running to meetings.





Click HERE to purchase.

The crocodile- embossed travel wallet is a gift one can use for travel. It is ideal for your credit cards, passport, cash, travel documents and a good place to hold your catch-all papers.





Click HERE to purchase.

This dynamic art glass sculpture is the “Type A” father’s gift as it suggests innovation and energy. The brilliant colors radiate with light and is an eye-catcher on one’s desk. It could sit on their desk and remind them of the joys of fatherhood and bring vitality to them during a hard days work.

Remember, Father’s Day is a time to commemorate the men in your life. Father’s Day will be celebrated on June 21st so make this Father’s Day and extra special one!